Month: May 2010

Tons of great health reporting in today's Globe, not all of it on the health page. See stories on brain cells, osteoporosis testing, skanky diet pills and vitamin D. BHN takes particular note of the bone scan story and wonders -- Will politics and science ever find common ground? At this point, it is becoming more and … Continue reading Fair pay or bone scam?

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This is why rich hospitals in Boston look like palaces. From today’s Globe magazine. Our health care system has produced phenomenal achievements, discoveries, and cures. It would be hard not to let that go to our heads. And we have. As a hospital executive, I have noticed this attitude across the health care industry – in those … Continue reading Globe Mag: Medical mistakes and “professional egocentricity

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Two news round ups today. First, check out the latest edition of the Health Wonk Review, hosted by Boston’s own David Williams at The Health Business Blog. As he reports: It’s a wonderful day in the wonkerhood, with so much health care policy fodder to chomp on. Let’s jump right in. Also, here’s some local … Continue reading Can a computer save you from an extra x-ray?

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Read this, about Genzymer's new drug for Pompe disease: Most immediately, the FDA approval means Genzyme will be able to sell Lumizyme to about 200 adult patients in the United States who have been receiving it for free under a charitable program. The company can also begin marketing the drug to about 1,000 adults who … Continue reading Gouger’s disease?

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Can an organization be forgiven for adding those words to the lexicon? Maybe, if "The Games for Health Project" can find a way to make Farmville into exercise. This conference is ongoing and geared toward professionals, not teen gamers. Starting today at the Harbor Hyatt and running through Thursday. The Games for Health Project - Sixth Annual Games for Health Conference … Continue reading “Exergaming” and “rehabtainment”

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The Globe reports that insurers in the state, emboldened by the high costs at some hospitals (a euphemism for Partners HealthCare) are offering lower rates and asking hospitals for cuts. The hospitals say they are taking from institutions that are already losing money. No doubt true in some cases. In others, it's not clear what "in the red" means. Unlike … Continue reading Massachusetts insurers push back on hospital costs

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Accountable care organizations could be key to containing costs under health reform. Doctors' practices, clinics and hospitals would work together as one organization and and meet all the health needs of a group of patients. The ACO also takes responsibility for the total cost of care and the quality and effectiveness. The Commonwealth Fund just released a report on an … Continue reading Accountable health care in Vermont